Marvin Howard Chamberlain was born in Woodstock, Lenawee County, Michigan, November 5, 1842. His father, Philon Chamberlain, was born in New York State in 1804, and, at the age of eighty-four, is hale and hearty. Mr. Chamberlain is of the English family of Chamberlain, whose descendants came to America early in old colonial times. His great-grandfather was, a soldier in the Revolutionary war and fought at Bunker Hill and on other bloody fields. The gun used by him at Bunker Hill is now in the possession of the family, who jealousy guard it as a memorial of great value. Mr. Chamberlain's maternal ancestors came from Scotland. His mother was born in New York State in 1798 and died in Detroit. January 25th, 1884, Early in life she and her husband settled in Niagara County, New York, and in 1835 removed to Michigan, purchasing a farm in Lenawee County. Their next home was in Litchfield. Hillsdale County, and in the spring of 1869 they located in Detroit. M. H. Chamberlain is the youngest in a family of eight children, six boys and two girls, seven of whom are living. He attended a district school until about fifteen years of age. In the winter of 1859-60 he taught school in Lenawee County, and in the spring of 1860 entered Hillsdale College. Soon after leaving college he taught school in Oakland County. In 1864 he came to Detroit, attended a commercial college until May, 1865, and then look a position in the office of F. A. Stokes, on the corner of Jefferson avenue and Wayne street During the first year he was employed as book-keeper,and the year following as traveling salesman. In November, 1867, he. with his brother. Mr. A. H. Chamberlain, purchased Mr. Stokes* interest in the business, and the firm of M. H. Chamberlain & Co. was formed. Starting with comparatively small capital and only a few months' experience in the business, their success has been quite remarkable, and in their line they arc among the leading firms in the country. In the spring of 1873 the Chamberlains organized the Fearless Tobacco Company. Mr. M. H. Chamberlain continued as a partner until March. 1876. when he sold his interest to his brother. In 1874 Mr. M. II. Chamberlain, with others, organized the Commercial Travelers' Association of Michigan, and he was elected its first president. In 1882 he was elected to the City Council, and in 1885 was made president of that body. In the fall of 1885 he was elected Mayor of Detroit on the Democratic ticket by a majority of about eighteen hundred over the Republican nominee. When a boy he was a recognized leader among his playmates. At school he was always prominent in debate, is said to have been very fond of speech-making, and is possessed of a remarkable memory, he is agreeable, tenacious in following out a purpose, and possessed of excellent judgment. These characteristics, with other advantages, had naturally much to do with his election to the position of chief municipal officer of the city. He was married to Miss Ellen Wilson, of Niagara County New York, in 1876. Source: History of Detroit and Wayne County and Early Michigan By Silas Farmer 1890